Topical Encyclopedia Grape-gatherers, also known as vintagers or harvesters, play a significant role in the agricultural and social life of ancient Israel, as depicted in the Bible. The gathering of grapes was a crucial part of the viticulture process, which was a major industry in the biblical lands due to the importance of wine in daily life, religious rituals, and commerce.Biblical References and Symbolism The process of grape gathering is mentioned in several passages throughout the Bible, often symbolizing abundance, joy, and divine blessing. In the Book of Isaiah, the prophet uses the imagery of grape-gatherers to convey a message of judgment and desolation: "In that day, the LORD will thresh from the flowing Euphrates to the Wadi of Egypt, and you, O Israelites, will be gathered up one by one" (Isaiah 27:12). Here, the gathering of grapes is metaphorically linked to the gathering of God's people. In the Book of Jeremiah, grape-gatherers are used to illustrate the thoroughness of God's judgment: "This is what the LORD of Hosts says: 'They will glean the remnant of Israel as thoroughly as a vine; pass your hand once more like a grape-gatherer over the branches'" (Jeremiah 6:9). The imagery of grape-gatherers meticulously collecting every grape underscores the completeness of divine scrutiny and judgment. Cultural and Economic Importance Grape-gathering was a communal activity that involved entire families and communities. It was a time of festivity and cooperation, as seen in the Book of Judges: "Then they went out into the fields, gathered the grapes from their vineyards, and trod them. They held a festival, and went into the house of their god, and ate and drank and cursed Abimelech" (Judges 9:27). This passage highlights the social aspect of grape-gathering, where the harvest was not only a time of labor but also of celebration and communal bonding. The economic significance of grape-gathering is evident in the parables of Jesus, where vineyards and their workers are frequently used to illustrate spiritual truths. In the Parable of the Workers in the Vineyard, Jesus speaks of a landowner hiring laborers for his vineyard, emphasizing the kingdom of heaven's values of grace and generosity (Matthew 20:1-16). Spiritual Lessons The role of grape-gatherers in the Bible also carries spiritual lessons. The meticulous nature of grape-gathering serves as a metaphor for the careful and deliberate work required in spiritual growth and discipleship. Just as grape-gatherers must be diligent in their task to ensure a fruitful harvest, believers are called to be diligent in their faith and service to God. Furthermore, the imagery of grape-gathering is used to convey the idea of divine selection and judgment. As grape-gatherers separate the ripe grapes from the unripe or spoiled ones, so too does God discern the hearts of individuals, gathering those who are faithful and righteous. In summary, grape-gatherers in the Bible are emblematic of both the physical and spiritual harvests. Their work reflects themes of community, celebration, judgment, and divine blessing, offering rich insights into the agricultural and spiritual life of biblical times. Library My God, Without Ceasing, I Will Tread the Threshold of Thy House The Mosaic Law the Fountain of all Ethics, and the Source from ... Habakkuk-On his Watch-Tower Thesaurus Grapegatherers (2 Occurrences)... Multi-Version Concordance Grapegatherers (2 Occurrences). Jeremiah 49:9 If grapegatherers come to thee, would they not leave some gleaning grapes? ... /g/grapegatherers.htm - 7k Grape-gatherers (2 Occurrences) Gatherers (2 Occurrences) Grape-gleanings (1 Occurrence) Gleanings (8 Occurrences) Gleaning (10 Occurrences) Grape-gatherer (1 Occurrence) Pickers (2 Occurrences) Thieves (25 Occurrences) Grape (20 Occurrences) Resources Should wine or grape juice be used for communion? | GotQuestions.orgDid Jesus change the water into wine or grape juice? | GotQuestions.org What is the meaning of gleaning in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Grape-gatherers (2 Occurrences)Jeremiah 49:9 Obadiah 1:5 Subtopics Related Terms |
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